Rutgers defense overwhelmed in 41-21 loss to Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — Maybe the defense tried too hard to take emotion out of the equation. Football, after all, is an emotional game.

Maybe the injuries are beginning to take their toll. The Scarlet Knights’ defense was without paralyzed defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, starting strongside linebacker Manny Abreu and three other backup linebackers.

But maybe, just maybe, Rutgers caught the University of Pittsburgh at the wrong time.

Pitt, which has hit its stride after a rough start, racked up 513 yards of total offense — its most since 2006 — en route to a 41-21 beatdown at Heinz Field today in Rutgers’ first game after LeGrand suffered his catastrophic injury.

With the score 14-14 at the half, the Panthers (4-3, 2-0 in the Big East) scored 27 unanswered points to put away the Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-1), who combined bad tackling with missed assignments.

“It was tough, but that (LeGrand’s tragic situation) had nothing to do with what went on in the game,” said defensive tackle Scott Vallone, LeGrand’s closest friend on the team. “I think we did a good job in separating the two. We prepared throughout the week pretty well. We just knew if we wanted have a decent day today, we had to be ready.

“We just got out there and you saw what happened. They had some great players and they performed.”

“I guess you could say when I was getting tired, I thought of Eric,” said defensive tackle Charlie Noonan, who returned an interception 25 yards and had four tackles. “There was a little extra motivation, but it goes after the first play. It comes down to the basics.”

Rutgers, which entered the game ranked 15th nationally in total defense (292.5 yards per game), was picked apart with surgeon-like precision by Pitt sophomore Tino Sunseri, who hit 21 of 27 passes for a career-high 307 yards and three touchdowns. Two TD passes were to tight end Mike Cruz, who entered the game with only six career receptions and no touchdowns. Also, NFL-caliber junior wide receiver Jon Baldwin snagged five passes for 139 yards, scoring on a 45-yard grab and setting up another touchdown with a 46-yarder.

Most damaging, however, was the Panthers’ running game. Dion Lewis, who had been struggling, had a season-high 130 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Elizabeth native Ray Graham had 56 yards and a TD on 14 attempts.

“It was just execution,” said defensive end Jonathan Freeny. “We knew they were going to come out and run the ball and we didn’t stop them.”

“Their two running backs really played well,” said Rutgers coach Greg Schiano. “We had multiple opportunities behind the line of scrimmage (to tackle them) for loss plays and we didn’t tackle very well. Those running backs had a lot to do with it.

“Then, we had a lot of mistakes in critical situations. We would have it right and then we would make a mistake and a guy would be uncovered. It’s my job to make sure we do the right things and we didn’t do it.”

Dave Hutchinson: dhutchinson@starledger.com

Rutgers defense collapses in a 41-21 drubbing at Pittsburgh

Rutgers defense collapses in a 41-21 drubbing at PittsburghOff the heals of two late wins, the Rutgers defense collapsed, allowing 513 yards in a 41-21 loss at Pittsburgh. The Scarlet Knights were tied 14-14 at the half, before being outscored 27-7 to end the game. Pitt quarterback Tino Sunseri threw for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

An emotional day as Rutgers and Pittsburgh football honor Eric LeGrand

An emotional day as Rutgers and Pittsburgh football honor Eric LeGrandIt started with a banner sitting on Pittsburgh campus that by game time collected thousands of signatures. Pittsburgh student athletes handed out stickers to nearly every fan who passed through the gates. Each Rutgers helmet had a sticker that read believe. And before game time, fans were asked to applaud loud enough to “hear it back in New Jersey.” Each was a show of support for Rutgers defensive tackle Eric Legrand, who was paralyzed last weekend while making a tackle in a game against Army. Players said that LeGrand stayed in their minds during the game. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

Pittsburgh shows their support for Eric LeGrand

Pittsburgh shows their support for Eric LeGrandA banner sat on campus this week reading âÂÂPitt is Pulling for Eric LeGrand.âÂÂ The Rutgers defensive tackle was paralyzed while making a tackle last week versus Army. By game time, the banner had collected thousands of signatures. Pittsburgh student athletes also handed out stickers to nearly every fan who passed through the gates. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)

Is Rutgers any better then a .500 football team?

Is Rutgers any better then a .500 football team?Star-Ledger reporters Tom Luicci and Dave Hutchinson dissect the Scarlet Knight’s 41-21 loss at the hands of Pittsburgh and discuss the impact emotion may have played in the games outcome. Luicci gives his projection on the team’s final record. (Video by Michael Monday/The Star-Ledger)